England move ruled out as Shaun Edwards stays with Wales

Shaun Edwards has dashed any hopes England may have had of luring him to Twickenham by agreeing to stay as Wales defence coach.

Under offer: Edwards (Picture: Action Images)

The Welsh Rugby Union are set to confirm today the former Great Britain rugby league international will remain part of their coaching set-up for at least another four years.

Edwards, 45, left his role as Wasps head coach last month, with his Wales contract having expired at the end of the World Cup in New Zealand.

Last week he suggested he might consider an approach from the RFU, who are still considering the position of England boss Martin Johnson .

âYou consider any roles when youâre a free agent,â said Edwards. âIâm here if anyone makes me an offer.â

And those comments prompted WRU chief executive Roger Lewis to move smartly to tie up a new deal. âIt was more than apparent through the extraordinary coverage in the UK press that Shaun was in considerable demand from many quarters and there were many options open to him in this country and in Europe,â he said.

âHe has proved himself as a coach at the very highest level and we know what huge respect and affection he is held in, not only by the players but also by the Welsh rugby public.â

Edwards could still be free to take on a club coaching role, although it is unlikely to be on a full-time basis.